Inclusive playground upgrade for Goroke Kindergarten

Published on 21 February 2025

Goroke Kindergarten’s playground will soon be upgraded to create a more inclusive and engaging outdoor space for children of all abilities.

West Wimmera Shire Council has received $197,900 from the Department of Education’s Building Blocks Inclusion Grant to fund the project, which will modernise and enhance the kindergarten’s outdoor facilities.

The upgrade will involve the removal of the existing raised bordered soft-fall area, as well as the replacement of ageing fencing and outdated play equipment.

A new wet-pour rubber soft-fall surface will be installed, providing a safer and more accessible foundation for play.

The project also includes installation of new, inclusive play equipment such as a basket swing and trampoline.

West Wimmera Shire Council Chief Executive Officer David Bezuidenhout welcomed the funding, highlighting the importance of inclusive play spaces for early childhood development.

“This project will ensure all children can participate in outdoor play, regardless of their abilities,” he said.

“By creating a fully accessible playground, we are not only improving safety and functionality but also fostering social inclusion and engagement in the early years.”

The upgrades will build on improvements made at Goroke Kindergarten in 2022, ensuring the outdoor play area is fully integrated and accessible to all.

The enhancements aim to provide children with opportunities to develop balance, coordination, and sensory skills while encouraging social interaction and imaginative play.

West Wimmera Shire Council’s early years services have been significantly boosted in the past few years, with similar redevelopments happening in other towns.

Edenhope Kindergarten received major building renovations and a new playspace in 2024. Similarly, Kaniva Kindergarten’s yard was updated in 2020, and its building renovations were completed in October 2022.

West Wimmera Shire Council is committed to supporting high-quality early childhood education, and these upgrades will ensure Goroke Kindergarten remains an inclusive and engaging space for years to come.